Face Clamp Attachment (Get the Most Out of Your Clamps)

Intro: Face Clamp Attachment (Get the Most Out of Your Clamps)

For this instructable, I am making a simple face clamp attachment.

Ever had trouble with holding a piece of wood trim to the face of a subject? I'm sure many of us have been there. This clamp attachment is a cool way to fix this issue. This is designed to fit a typical bar clamp, by attaching it and tightening the knob.

Here is a list of materials I used

(1) Steel Square Tube [2.5 inch x 1 inch x 1/16 inch] (local home center)

(1) 5/16 Threaded Rod http://amzn.to/2BI4AeR

(4) Washers, (2 Large = top and bottom) (2 = inside the swivel pad )

Jig Kit (has knob and threaded insert) http://amzn.to/2z5JR1p

Gorilla Glue http://amzn.to/2BR8rbN

You can also find my work here:
Youtube >> HERE
Instagram >> HERE
MY Digital Plans >> HERE

STEP 1: Drilling a Hole and Cutting Out the Slot

First, I took a center punch and placed a mark on the metal tube. Then drilled out a half-inch hole. Be sure to keep the bit straight, you want to go all the way through the tube and exit the other side.

Next, notch out a slot for the clamp to rest. You can use a hacksaw to cut out the slot then file it down to clean out the rough edge.

STEP 2: Add Wood and Thread Inserts

Take a piece of wood and drive it into the metal tube. You can add a bit of epoxy or gorilla glue to secure it inside the tube.

As shown in the picture, cut out the piece of wood where the metal is notched out.

Drill out a hole where the threaded insert will be installed. This insert will play the key role in holding down the workpiece.

Another hole will be drilled on the side. This hole's purpose is to lock the attachment the clamp bar. A threaded insert will also be installed.

STEP 3: Cut a Grove in the Threaded Rod

With my grinder locked in place, I used it to cut a grove into to the rod.

Take a washer that has a small enough hole to keep the washer in the grove. You'll want to cut the washer then pry it open. Place it in the grove and then close the washer.

I made a handle on the lathe, and drilled a hole it. Then, I used a piece of threaded rod to create threads in the handle.

STEP 4: Making the Swivel Pad

To make the pad, I used a Forstner bit to remove about a 1/2-inch of material. Next, I took a hole saw that was slightly bigger. Drill out the entire hole. Then cut this down to 1 inch in length.

Put the rod through the wooden pad. The washer on the threaded rod should be inside wood pad. Then add adhesive around the lip of the pad. Put a washer at the end of the threaded rod. This hole should be smaller so the rod can not exit. Now, take the final washer and attached it to the bottom of the wood pad. It's also a good idea to attach a washer on the top side of the pad. Ideally, you'll want to sandwich the wooden pad in between.

I then added a 1-inch felts pad to the washer, which would protect your subjects surface.

Add gorilla glue or epoxy and screw the handle on the rod. Then, put the rod on.

STEP 5: Usage

The attachment is a great way to hold down your work when you need to attach a subject to a face, whether it's horizontal or vertical. See the photos to see it in action.

Thanks for checking this out. I hope you find it to be useful!

You can also find me here:

YouTube >> HERE
Instagram >> HERE
MY Digital Plans >> HERE

Comments

[PierreK2]

If you don't have time to make one of these jigs, you can always tap a wooden wedge between the bar of the clamp and the work that needs clamping. I keep an assortment of wedges and find them useful in many similar situations.

[АлексейД8]

It works but... too simple! )

[Marzmanbill]

Very nice, thanks for showing all the steps precisely. Well done!

[АлексейД8]

Like this. ))

And, maybe, first insert the threaded inserts, then drive a piece of wood into the metal tube with smaller holes? It is anchored!

And with two rods attachment is self-locking on the clamp bar.

[diycreators]

Nice! I like the idea. I may just create if you don't mine :).

[АлексейД8]

+ stability.
Two-sided device not rotate clamp.
And with thick-wall tube no need wood! ))
Metal wall enough for thread.

[АлексейД8]

I see no obstacles ))

[Johnny gee jr]

clever thanks

[MattB144]

That is a great idea. Will be making some myself. Thanks

[diycreators]

Thank you

[bwett10]

awesome this kind of stuff is why i have this app

[diycreators]

Thank you

[darkbain]

Very nice work. A tool for a tool gotta luv that. I can turn my 4ft' clamp into multiple clamps. This is definitely on my list. Thx for posting.

[boffincentral]

You might be able to get away without using a threaded insert by tapping a thread in the wood insert directly. You might be surprised how strong threaded wood is.

I just mount the tap directly in my cordless drill and have at it. I do drill the hole smaller than I would for tapping metal though. As long as the tap can be driven through the drill, the hole is big enough.

Nice Instructable.

Thanks.

[Thommyboy]

Sweet jig you made going to have to try this looks like it will be a awesome addition to the shop. Thank You for all the incredible information!!

[KellyCraig]

Great innovation and layout. Thanks.

[desertsniper]

FANTASTIC idea! I need to make 3-4 of these, they will be super useful!

Thanks for the post

P.S. - enter this into a contest!

[garrydelf]

Very good idea and a new take on work holding. I have to say that you are one of the first guys I've seen to install thread inserts almost correctly. Everyone wants to use the slots on the one end as a screwdriver slot. They are to assist with thread cutting and so should be entered into the hole first. Otherwise you are correct, lock them in place with another insert or a nut tightened up to the face and drive them in with a wrench until they are flush with the surface loosen the nut and back out the screw and you're done. Another trick is to put a flat washer between the nut and the insert. When the washer is flat on the wood surface the insert is fully seated. The glue is not a bad idea either. I cannot believe the number of people I see who should know better using screwdrivers on those slots. The inserts are not hardened and those slots will get ruined before the insert is seated when installing in hardwood. Keep up the good work I like your Instructables because almost all I've seen are done with basic tools and techniques.

[АлексейД8]

Awesome!

How about same without jig but with two rods on both sides? Maybe with bigger square tube. For long details. ))

[AdnanA87]

Quite a good idea